Edgewater Networks 245CC - Selecting the System; Notes on Steering Response versus Steering effort

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Selection Guide
The objective is to match the steering system to the requirements
of the vessel. This depends on four things;
1) hull type (ie: planing or displacement),
2) type of propulsion system in the vessel (ie: inboard, outboard,
sterndrive, etc.),
3) the number of engines or rudders,
4) the total power of the engines (ie: Horsepower).
Once the system and cylinder has been selected, the size of the
helm pump is pre-determined. SeaStar systems also allow the
following options to be specified;
1) the number of steering stations,
2) helm configuration (ie: standard or tilt helm),
3) additional features such as autopilots.
Notes on Steering Response versus Steering effort
Steering wheel effort is directly proportional to the number of wheel
turns lock to lock.
The number of wheel turns lock to lock is dependent on three things;
1) the volume of the cylinder,
2) the displacement of the helm pump,
3) the allowable movement of the rudder or drive unit.
Less wheel turns lock to lock results in more steering effort. More
wheel turns lock to lock results in less steering effort. However,
additional factors that can influence steering effort are;
1) vessel speed,
2) rudder size,
3) unusual propeller selections,
4) hull type (ie: displacement, planing, etc.), and
5) improperly aligned counter balance skeg.
Selecting the System